There is this interview that we all have to go through in order to progress into the professional years of 6 yr PharmD program. I horribly failed it, and I wrote an appeal letter to explain why I did. Basically, I have social and generalized anxiety, which makes me kinda panicky when I talk to people - even friends, sometimes.
The dean answered (in less than 20 min, which also makes me a little nervous too…) he would like to meet me in person before he makes a decision on my appeal.
So I’m totally freaking out right now.
My GPA is a little over 3.5, so no worries on academic standing (minimal GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 needed to progress). However, all those what if’s come to my mind and the meeting’s next week, which I don’t feel at all like I’m ready for… Any advice please?
Sounds like the dean is on top of things and is on your side. I’d suggest being open and honest (bring perhaps a letter from your doctor if you’re comfortable doing that) and present the positive spin on your case.
Before your conversation, be sure to leave enough time to relax, breathe, and perhaps even do something like the power poses suggested in this Ted Talkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
@stradmom@intparent
I don’t have a medical diagnosis… I’ve had it since like in middle school (bullied for 5 years) and social/generalized anxiety is what I’ve been told by the therapist at that time. The clinician I have met from the university health center also said the same thing. But in either case, I don’t think there is a way to bring in the medical records. My stance on the appeal letter was that I thought it was gone but it hasn’t and affected my ability to communicate. Would that be a problem?
You can bring up that you saw the therapist at the university medical center and that is what they said. You don’t need the record to chat with the dean, but he may ask if you have taken any steps to try to address it. He might suggest that you do if he is going to grant your appeal.
@intparent I met with the therapist and a referral coordinator to get a list of therapists around campus (they don’t do long term therapy in the university health center), and considering group counseling starting next semester. These I mentioned in the letter, but should I be ready to address it during the conversation?
If you have anxiety to the point where it is interfering with your life (like bombing an interview), then you need to get help. I would get a referral to a psychiatrist and at least have an appt made before you talk to the Dean, even if you cannot go to that appt yet.
If I was a dean, I would want to make sure that I admit people that can succeed in the program. You need to show that you can succeed.
Tell the Dean that you thought you had your anxiety under control, but clearly in more stressful situations you do not. Realizing that you have already gone to the counseling center where the therapist has confirmed your anxiety and has given you a referral…and you are going to meet with the psychiatrist and investigate medication if indicated. Say that you are also going to join group counseling.
Is there anything that would make you feel comfortable during the interview…like if you could jot down the question or take a minute to answer or have water with you? Remember that the Dean wants you to do your best…so ask if it would be possible for you to .
If they had asked you if you have any questions, make sure you have a couple written down.
At the end, tell them that you appreciate him/her taking the time to discuss this in person, as you didn’t think the previous interview represented your best self but you are taking steps to work on your anxiety.